City of Copperas Cove only accepting in-person, mail-in utility payments starting Dec. 1

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

The City of Copperas Cove issued another press release on Tuesday afternoon prior to Tuesday’s 5 p.m. special meeting of the Copperas Cove city council.

“The City has previously requested that FATHOM take the appropriate steps to immediately stop all auto-payments, however we have not yet received a response from them on the request,” stated the city’s public information officer, Kevin Keller. 

Until further notice and effective December 1, all payments will be required to be paid by one of the following methods:

By mail: City of Copperas Cove Utilities Administration, P.O. Drawer 1419, Copperas Cove, TX 76522.

In person: City of Copperas Cove Utilities Administration, 914 S. Main Street, Suite A.

Online payment methods are being researched for future use.

According to the city, a payment by phone method will be available in the coming days; the direct phone number will also be announced in the coming days.

There is currently a secure drop box located on the door of City Hall, Suite B, however this location may change once Suite B is opened to allow for better customer service.

Various other City departments are being considered as temporary locations to make payments, to help alleviate customer wait time.

“An additional update will be provided as more information becomes available. We appreciate the continued support and patience provided by our citizens,” Keller said.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the council will hold discussion with city administration about software and service vendors for a customer information system, customer portal, work order system, payment processor and bill printer/mailer for Utilities Administration.

The council will possibly take action during Tuesday's meeting on the above agenda items. 

Tuesday's meeting is one of several the council has had, in addition to a town hall meeting last Friday, after the Nov. 9 announcement by FATHOM Global Water that it is closing business at the end of November.